Cardiff Blues can confirm that New Zealand centre Casey Laulala will leave the Blues at the end of the season.
The 29 year old, played Super 14 rugby with the Crusaders and Air New Zealand Cup with Canterbury before moving to Cardiff, making his debut against Connacht in December 2009.
Laulala, who to date has made 58 appearances for Cardiff Blues, scoring 14 tries has signed a two year deal with Munster.
Speaking of the announcement Casey said:
“I’ve enjoyed myself very, very much here at the Blues and was fortunate enough to win the Amlin Challenge Cup with the Blues in my first season here.”
“The support that we had that day was immense and it was definitely one of my highlights, not only playing in the UK, but over my whole career.”
“We were big underdogs as it was like a home game for Toulon, so it was a great day.”
“When I first got here it was quite a tough environment but we managed to put it together and the team won something.”
“I’d like to thank all my team mates for welcoming in me into the squad and for their friendship over the last couple of years.”
Reflecting on his time in Cardiff, Casey added:
“My family settled in well and my daughter is at a very good school, but I guess this is a fresh challenge for me.”
“It’s something new and hopefully the Munster welcome will be as warm as the one I experienced here in Cardiff.”
“The supporters have been great and I must have done something right for me to get a song from the supporters.”
“You obviously play for yourself and the team but you want to also please the people that do come out to watch you, so I hope I’ve done that.”
“I’d like to thank everyone from the bottom of my heart for welcoming me.”
“Munster are a very successful team so I’m looking forward to joining them and experiencing life in Ireland.”
“However, there is still a lot of rugby to be played this season so I am still fully focused on doing well for the Blues.”
“I’ve always wanted to play at the Arms Park, so my wish will be realised on Friday against Connacht. Hopefully I don’t disappoint.”
“There’s a lot of history there and a lot of boys have an attachment to the ground so it will be nice to be a part of that.”